Panini America is setting a new standard in the world of collegiate athletics with the launch of Panini College, an innovative platform offering college athletes the unique opportunity to have their own trading cards. This groundbreaking initiative falls under the Panini NIL brand, aiming to empower athletes by providing them with a platform to showcase their name, image, and likeness.

The concept behind Panini College is simple yet revolutionary – athletes from partner universities, initially three major schools including Ohio State University, University of Nebraska, and University of Texas, will have the chance to have their personalized trading cards available for purchase by fans. These trading cards not only serve as collectible items but also as a meaningful keepsake for both athletes and supporters alike.

One of the key features of Panini College is that participating athletes will receive compensation based on the sales of their trading cards. This means that athletes have the potential to earn from their own likeness, creating a direct financial benefit from their involvement in the program. Additionally, select athletes will offer exclusive autographed versions of their cards, adding a premium touch to these unique collectibles.

The platform is set to officially launch on Tuesday, September 3rd, and will be accessible through college.paniniamerica.net. Fans can look forward to a continuous release of new products and athlete cards throughout the 2024-25 academic year, ensuring a fresh and engaging experience for collectors and supporters.

Jason Howarth, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Athlete Relations for Panini America, expressed the company’s vision for Panini College, stating, “We believe every collegiate athlete, regardless of their school, sport, or position, deserves the chance to have their own trading card. Panini College is reshaping the trading card market for athletes in all sports, providing them with a platform to leverage their NIL. As we expand to more schools and sports, we are excited to create new opportunities for athletes to gain recognition and for fans to access exciting collectibles.”

Panini College builds upon Panini’s existing leadership in the collegiate NIL landscape, where the company has established partnerships with notable athletes such as Lexi Rodriguez, a volleyball All-American from the University of Nebraska, and an array of talented individuals including Quinn Ewers, Tre Johnson, Arch Manning, Dylan Raiola, Julian Sayin, and Zachariah Branch. Earlier in 2023, Panini also introduced the popular Caitlin Clark Collection, celebrating the remarkable career of the University of Iowa basketball star.

Through Panini College, Panini America is strengthening its position as a key player in the collegiate sports trading card industry, providing athletes with a new avenue for recognition and fans with an exciting way to engage with their favorite players. This platform underscores Panini’s commitment to innovation and its support for the evolving collegiate NIL market, cementing its reputation as a trailblazer in the sports collectibles industry.

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